Which 5 Missouri Tigers 2015 Recruits have the Best Chance to Contribute Right Away?

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4. Tyler Howell, OT

With Mitch Morse graduating, Mizzou needs to find a new left tackle. Unlike in the past two seasons where they’ve been able to slide Justin Britt and then Morse over from the right side with little-to-no drop-off, this year’s right tackle, Taylor Chappell, is pretty obviously unequipped to handle the left side. In fact, it’s questionable whether Chappell can even be consistent enough to hold down his spot on the right side, which could create multiple opportunities for Howell, a 6-foot-8, 300-pound junior college transfer, to start immediately.

Offensive coordinator and line coach Josh Henson said on Wednesday that Howell would bring immediate help to the Tigers’ offensive line. With that said, it’s clear from Howell’s tape that he needs work with his stance and more substantial experience as a run blocker. That coupled with the fact that Henson spoke of envisioning Howell as a 330-pounder could mean that he’ll have to spend a year on the weight room and on the practice field before he starts making substantial contributions. Then again, Howell only has two years of eligibility remaining, so it may be now or never.

Howell will be battling with some combination of Chappell, Nate Crawford, Malik Cuellar, and Clay Rhodes to fill a starting tackle spot this year, and while his absence at spring practice will hurt his chances, he’ll definitely be looking to make an impact, at least as a rotational player, this year.

Next: 3. Corey Fatony